Casual Worker - Client Liaison, Bids and Client Services

SOTHEBY'S; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading auction house is seeking a dedicated client services representative to provide exceptional service during the bidding process. Responsibilities include helping clients with inquiries, managing registrations, and ensuring a smooth experience during auctions. The role requires strong communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a degree-level education. Applicants should be flexible with hours, and knowledge of the art industry is advantageous. This position is based in the City of Westminster, which requires interaction with clients from various locations.

Qualifications

• Ability to demonstrate excellent client service.
• Ability and willingness to be flexible with working hours including weekends and evenings.
• Fluency in English is required.

Responsibilities

• Deliver seamless high-level service for clients visiting and bidding.
• Providing back-office support for Bids and front-house Client Services.
• Liaise closely with various internal departments.

Skills

Excellent client service

High level of computer literacy

Excellent communication skills

Good organisation skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

Educated to degree level (or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

This role would provide interchangeable support to the Bids and Client Services departments acting as initial contact for clients wishing to bid in sales, as well as in-person support for clients and visitors to Sotheby's. This role is expected to consistently deliver the highest standards of client service, being able to answer all types of registration, bidding, and general client enquiries. The successful candidate will have a passionate and detailed approach, with a desire to exceed client needs and expectations whilst promoting a highly professional and positive image for Sotheby's.

Responsibilities

• Delivering seamless and high-level service for clients visiting and bidding at Sotheby's
• Providing interchangeable back‑office Bids support and front‑of‑house Client Services support as necessary
• Providing the highest level of service throughout the bidding process to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the client
• Taking registration and bidding instructions from clients and Sotheby's staff in person, as well as via telephone and email
• Inputting commission and telephone bids into Sotheby's internal systems
• Allocating telephone bids to Sotheby's telephone bidders
• Clerking auctions alongside the auctioneer
• Bidding on the telephone with clients
• Dealing with any post‑sale follow‑up, as appropriate and as directed
• Handling any client and colleague escalations with accuracy and professionalism
• Liaising closely and maintaining strong working communications with Pre‑Sale, Post‑Sale, Business Management, Specialists, Product and Technology, and various other internal stakeholders and departments, before, during, and after the sale
• Ensuring that the information held for clients is validated, accurate and current
• Ensuring that Sotheby's Compliance and KYC guidelines and the Live and Online Auction Rules are adhered to
• Acting as a key stakeholder for any registration and bidding aspects of digital initiatives
• Assisting with general departmental administration where necessary
• Assisting with training auctioneers and other sales clerks where necessary
• Providing the above support to other locations including Milan, Geneva, Zurich, and Cologne
• Be the welcoming face of Sotheby's
• Greeting clients, assisting with general enquiries and triaging to relevant departments
• Liaising closely and maintaining strong working communications with Auction Operations, Commissionaire, Security, Events, Marketing and Boardroom, and various other internal stakeholders and departments, to ensure smooth running of front of house
• Keeping the Front of House area and Catalogue displays immaculate at all times
• Supporting Paddle Registration during sales
• Performing Valuations desk research, liaising with relevant Specialists, or providing alternative referrals
• Providing Cashiers desk support as necessary
• Handling, unpacking and labelling incoming property for Registrars
• Occasionally supporting Cloakroom as necessary
• Always complying with security and auditing guidelines
• Following the Grooming standards as provided
• Providing exceptional client service on the counter in respect of all sale activities

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent)
• Ability to demonstrate excellent client service
• High level of computer literacy and able to display dexterity working across multiple systems
• Ability and willingness to be flexible with working hours including weekends and evenings where necessary
• Ability and willingness to work between New Bond Street building and from home
• Ability and willingness to travel to European offices and other off‑site locations
• Excellent communication (written and spoken) and interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritise, good organisation skills, excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work to strict deadlines
• Enthusiastic and calm under pressure, with a common-sense approach
• Proactive and pre‑emptive approach
• Committed, reliable and capable of working well as part of a team
• Discretion vital
• Knowledge of Sotheby's or the art industry; its culture and service
• Fluency in English is required
• Knowledge of other languages would be advantageous

About Sotheby's

Established in 1744, Sotheby's is the world's premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby's promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy‑now channels including private sales, e‑commerce and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry‑leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby's believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.